Airline issues Brexit warning after pretax loss of £275m in the six months to 31 March

EasyJet blamed economic uncertainty across Europe, exacerbated by Brexit, for a £275m loss in the first half of its financial year, with higher fuel costs and a £10m blow from the drone disruption at Gatwick airport in December adding to its problems.

The budget carrier’s pretax loss in the six months to 31 March contrasted with just £18m in the same period last year. The company said revenue per seat was likely to fall again for the summer, which could lead to lower fares.